rustic dining area

How to Update Farmhouse Style


First Impressions by Julie Wagner, LLC

First Impressions by Julie Wagner, LLC

The huge trend in Farmhouse style began over 10 years ago spurred on by Joanna Gains on HGTV and Pottery Barn. Rustic wood tables, painted shiplap walls, and white sofas were everywhere. As an interior designer, I was not immune to this design trend. A few years ago I added reclaimed barn wood to a client’s ceiling as the above photo, which is my most popular one on social media, demonstrates. I have seen this trend morphing into several different directions and I have seen the need to update it for 2021.


Photo via Westside Remodeling

Photo via Westside Remodeling

First let’s explore the Industrial Farmhouse style. If you have ever wanted to live in a converted loft in Chicago then this is your style. Exposed timber beams with metal connectors and concrete floors are gorgeous in this house. The dark blue gray perforated cabinet doors and the gray slat wood cabinet in the kitchen make this home on trend. The kitchen table extending from the island and metal bar stools are perfect in this space. 


Design by Sarah Richardson

Design by Sarah Richardson

 If your style is a bit more feminine and you love rattan and wicker then Farmhouse Cottage is your style. The dining table is a very rustic element but adding rattan dining chairs with pillows and cushions softens the space perfectly. Including a strong floral pattern and blue color to the draperies warms the space. In the living room, I expect to see slip covered sofas. And let’s talk about the contemporary ceiling medallion and mid-century light fixture. I love the tension created by the modern top half of the room paired with the traditional lower half. 


Photo via wtsenates.com

Photo via wtsenates.com

Next, if you got excited by the light fixtures in the last photo then check out this Mid-Century Farmhouse style. The best part of his home is the glass ceiling and clerestory windows exposing the wonderful natural light which is reminiscent of Palm Beach, CA where this design trend is a way of life. The style of sofas and arm chairs exude the clean lines of mid-century design but in a more updated fashion. However, the neutral colors, shiplap walls and wood floor are definitely farmhouse. 


Photo via Better Homes and Gardens

Photo via Better Homes and Gardens

So what do you do if you want to add a bit of color to your space but don’t want to go overboard. Try adding a colorful rug like this Bohemian piece with the metal and wood cocktail table like the photo above. Mismatched pillows and poufs are very fashionable at the moment and they mix well with the stone fireplace and wood floors.


Photo via decoraid.com

Photo via decoraid.com

Now if you cringed at the idea of adding color to your farmhouse style consider painting your doors, walls and trim color a warmer neutral color. This room reminds me of Swedish or Scandinavian design. Like farmhouse style there is very little color but texture and natural wood tones are very important. Rough and rustic elements are exchanged for smooth and machined finishes. Minimalism is a strong theme but art and wall décor are meant to be impactful.


Photo via Wilson Construction

Photo via Wilson Construction

 If the kitchen is the space that needs your attention check out the colorful tile backsplash and coordinating blue gray painted island. Changing only those two small items would make your update much more affordable. I especially love the open ceiling with white trusses and the angles used at the end of the island and glass cabinet doors in the dining area. Repeating patterns in a space in one of the elements of interior design.


Photo via House and Home

Photo via House and Home

 And finally, if you want to add a bit of punch to your space then upgrading your light fixtures and chairs is a great option. The bright brass in the light and repeated is wonderful. I am also gushing over the subtle coordinating brass faucet and drawer pulls.  If it’s time for you to update your farmhouse style give me a call!

Julie

First Impressions by Julie Wagner

Chapel Hill, NC

(919) 578-7313
http://www.impressionsbyjulie.com/

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Discover your design style

Does your space really reflect who you are? 

Discover your design style
Discover your design style

Does your space really reflect who you are? 

Discover your design style